Parents Night Out: Kids Laser Tag Night

The third edition of JLF North Carolina, an international edition of the renowned Jaipur Literature Festival, comes to Raleigh September 11–13, 2026, bringing the spirit of one of the world's leading literary festivals to the Triangle. Celebrating the many arts, stories, and histories of Raleigh—the “City of Oaks”—JLF North Carolina will feature thought-provoking conversations, compelling performances, author sessions, and cultural experiences exploring literature, ideas, history, society, and the world around us. The festival will take place at Meredith College and NC State’s Institute for Emerging Issues. The program will bring together acclaimed authors, artists, thinkers, journalists, and cultural leaders from North Carolina and around the world. The 2026 lineup includes Belle Boggs, Jeff Tiberii, Karan Mahajan, Bob Crawford, and many more. The Jaipur Literature Festival takes place annually in Jaipur, India, and is internationally celebrated as the “greatest literary show on Earth.” Its spirit now travels through international editions across the US, UK, Canada, Spain, the Maldives, and Australia, bringing together diverse literary traditions and the unique culture of each host region. JLF North Carolina offers readers, families, students, educators, writers, and curious minds an opportunity to discover new perspectives, hear remarkable stories, and experience the power of books and ideas right here in Raleigh.

FREE Family Fest in Raleigh — Saturday, September 12! Looking for a full day of family fun, creativity, connection, and outdoor adventure? Join us for the 3rd Annual Family Fest at Lakeside Retreats! Optional overnight Camping 📅 Saturday, September 12, 2026 ⏰ 8:00 AM–9:00 PM 📍 4521 Mial Plantation Road, Raleigh, NC 27610 🎟️ FREE admission Enjoy a day filled with: 🔥 Fire show 🎨 Art activities 🥋 Martial arts class 🫧 Bubbles 🧘 Yoga and sound bath 🌲 Forest bathing 🏕️ S’mores and optional overnight camping 🍴 Food trucks and vendors 💛 Sensory yurt 🎤 Guest speakers 🏆 Tug of war …and so much more!

Safe Homes, Strong Families Resource Day is a free community event presented by PR Home Care for older adults, family caregivers, and families who want to plan ahead and connect with trusted local resources before a crisis occurs. Meet local professionals and learn about fall prevention, aging in place and home safety, dementia and caregiver support, planning, medication safety, home organization, and other resources that can support safer, more independent living. Aging in Place North Carolina will provide a featured presentation, “How to Safely and Comfortably Age in the Home You Love.” The event will also include community resources, giveaways, and complimentary light refreshments while supplies last. Free and open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome.

This program introduces families to the practical science of composting and sustainable gardening techniques. The session provides a clear roadmap for families to reduce household waste while enriching their home gardens through natural soil revitalization. Participants will learn the core fundamentals of operating a backyard composting bin effectively. Our facilitators will demonstrate how to balance green and brown materials to create nutrient-rich compost. You will discover simple strategies to divert food scraps from landfills and transform everyday organic waste into valuable resources. The presentation includes hands-on guidance to ensure you leave with actionable techniques for your specific home environment. This event is designed for families interested in sustainability and hands-on environmental education. The atmosphere is collaborative and beginner-friendly, making it an excellent opportunity for children and adults to learn together. By attending, you gain the knowledge required to support a healthier planet starting in your own backyard. We encourage families of all experience levels to join us for this informative session. Please register in advance to secure your spot for this practical guide to home composting success.

Experience the charm of local agriculture at the Saturday Slowdown Market and Open Farm Day hosted by RambleRill Farm in Hillsborough. Held on the first Saturday of each month from May through December, this vibrant gathering brings together a collective of regional farms and talented local artisans. It is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to explore the grounds, meet friendly farm animals, and support the local economy by purchasing fresh products directly from the source. Each monthly event features a rotating selection of vendors and unique activities, ensuring there is always something new to discover. Whether you are looking for fresh produce, handcrafted goods, or simply a peaceful day outdoors with family and friends, this event offers a welcoming community atmosphere. Please check the official RambleRill Farm Facebook page for specific updates regarding each month’s programming and special offerings. We invite you to join us at 913 Arthur Minnis Road from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to enjoy the rustic beauty of our farm and connect with your local food producers.

Experience the charm of country life at the Sunrise Community Farm Center in Chapel Hill. Our Open Farm event invites guests of all ages and abilities to explore our beautiful grounds every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. regardless of the weather. Whether you are looking to spend a relaxing afternoon outdoors or seeking an educational environment, our farm provides a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy the natural beauty of North Carolina. We offer an array of activities for families and individuals alike. Visitors can enjoy general admission for a modest fee, or upgrade their experience by booking a delightful horse or pony ride in advance. With covered areas ensuring comfort year-round, rain or shine, it is the perfect destination for a weekend outing. The farm is dedicated to inclusivity and fostering a connection between the community and agricultural life. Plan your visit today to discover why our farm is a local favorite. Purchase your tickets online or at the gate to start your adventure at our thriving community center.

The ORBIT Raleigh Bowling Invitational Tournament is a premier amateur bowling competition held annually in Raleigh, North Carolina, over Labor Day weekend. Organized by a dedicated volunteer non-profit established in 2023, the tournament aims to advance national and international bowling standards while generating vital financial support for LGBTQ plus charities across the state. This event brings together athletes to compete in a structured, professional environment. Participants can expect a weekend filled with competitive bowling matches, opportunities for networking, and engagement with a supportive community. The schedule is designed to balance athletic excellence with charitable outreach, ensuring that every frame bowled contributes to the broader mission of the organization. The tournament provides a platform for bowlers of various skill levels to showcase their talents while fostering camaraderie among participants. This event is perfect for amateur bowlers who enjoy spirited competition and want to support meaningful causes. You can expect a welcoming, inclusive, and well-organized atmosphere that celebrates athleticism and philanthropy. Interested individuals are encouraged to register early to secure their spots and join us for this impactful weekend in North Carolina.

The ORBIT Raleigh Bowling Invitational Tournament is an annual competitive bowling event held in Raleigh, North Carolina, over Labor Day weekend. Organized by an all-volunteer non-profit established in 2023, the event serves to foster high-level amateur competition while raising critical funds for LGBTQ+ charities across the state. It stands as the flagship initiative for the organization. Participants can expect a professionally managed tournament structure that welcomes amateur bowlers from both national and international backgrounds. The event focuses on fair play, skill development, and community engagement within a structured competitive environment. Beyond the lanes, the tournament highlights the dedication of volunteers committed to supporting local non-profit causes through sportsmanship and active community participation. This event is designed for amateur bowling enthusiasts who want to compete at a high level while supporting a meaningful cause. The atmosphere is centered on inclusivity, athleticism, and charitable impact. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or an supporter of the LGBTQ+ community in North Carolina, this tournament provides an excellent platform to showcase your talent. Registration information is available through the official tournament portal.

The 2026 Raleigh BJJ Open is a gi-only Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament hosted by Tap Cancer Out at the Raleigh Convention Center on September 5. This competitive event brings the martial arts community together to test skills while raising funds for cancer research and support organizations. Participants compete in a structured environment designed to provide high-quality match experiences for athletes of all skill levels. The tournament follows standard IBJJF rules and utilizes a double-elimination bracket format to ensure every competitor receives multiple opportunities to perform on the mats. Attendees can expect a professional venue, organized scheduling, and a clear focus on sportsmanship and charity. This event is ideal for dedicated BJJ practitioners who want to challenge themselves while supporting a meaningful cause. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or stepping onto the mat for your first tournament, the environment is welcoming and highly focused on the integrity of the sport. We invite all interested athletes to register early to secure their spot. Join our community for a day of technical excellence, friendly competition, and impactful philanthropy in Raleigh.

Escape the Lost Temple is an interactive adventure designed specifically for mothers and daughters to solve puzzles together. This immersive experience challenges teams to recover an ancient relic by navigating a themed jungle environment while working to find their way out. Participants will engage in a series of collaborative challenges that require critical thinking and communication. You will decode secret messages, locate hidden clues, and complete logic based tasks throughout the temple grounds. The experience emphasizes teamwork as you move through each stage of the quest toward a final goal. This event offers a unique opportunity to bond while navigating a fast paced and mentally stimulating environment. This adventure is intended for mothers and their daughters who enjoy problem solving and shared activities. The atmosphere is designed to be exciting and collaborative, ensuring an engaging evening for all attendees. Registration is required for every individual participating in the event. Please note that an adult must accompany each child at all times during the experience. Secure your spots now to participate in this memorable mission together.

Fall Adapted Sports Day is a free community event in the Triangle region designed to introduce individuals with disabilities to various adapted athletic opportunities. Hosted by NC Adapted Sports and sponsored by TowneBank, this gathering aims to promote active lifestyles and foster meaningful connections within the local disability community. Participants can try over ten different adapted sports in a hands-on environment. The event features interactive stations where attendees can experience various activities firsthand. You will also have the chance to connect directly with numerous local organizations that offer ongoing support and programming for people with disabilities. This is a unique opportunity to explore new athletic interests and learn about regional resources all in one centralized location. This event is open to everyone regardless of current skill level or familiarity with adapted sports. The atmosphere is welcoming and geared toward inclusivity and shared discovery. Whether you are seeking a new hobby, looking for competitive options, or simply wanting to learn more about the local adaptive sports landscape, we encourage you to join us for a productive and engaging day of activity.

Trivia Night with Hammered Trivia is a competitive pop culture quiz held at The Cary. This interactive event invites participants to test their knowledge of movies, music, and television in a fast paced social environment. Teams of four to six players compete across multiple rounds. Hammered Trivia hosts the session, ensuring a structured and engaging experience throughout the evening. Prizes are awarded to the winning team at the end of each round, keeping the competition lively. One team member must bring a functional smart phone, as this device is required to submit answers and participate in the game play. This event is designed for pop culture enthusiasts looking for a fun night out with friends or colleagues. The atmosphere is collaborative and high energy, making it an ideal choice for group outings. Whether you are a film buff or a music expert, this night offers a great opportunity to showcase your knowledge and win rewards. Gather your team of four to six players today and prepare for an evening of trivia at The Cary.